Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Saya lebih suka kopi hangat ketimbang teh hangat.

Yes. lebih suka literally means more like and functions as prefer. The word order is fixed: put lebih before suka. Don’t say suka lebih. Alternatives:

lebih menyukai A … (more formal)
lebih memilih A … (emphasizes choosing)
lebih senang A … (casual)
Superlative: paling suka (like … the most)

What’s the difference between ketimbang and daripada?

Both mean than. daripada is neutral/standard in all registers. ketimbang is common and a bit more casual. A formal alternative is dibandingkan dengan.

Do I have to include lebih when using daripada/ketimbang?

In careful/standard Indonesian, yes: lebih suka … daripada/ketimbang … is the default. In casual speech people often say suka … daripada …, and it’s understood as prefer, but in formal writing keep lebih.

Why is hangat after kopi and teh?

Adjectives usually follow nouns in Indonesian: kopi hangat, teh dingin, rumah besar. Putting the adjective before the noun is generally ungrammatical outside special fixed expressions.

What’s the nuance difference between hangat and panas?

hangat = warm (comfortable, not too hot).
panas = hot (very hot/piping). So kopi hangat is warm coffee; kopi panas is hot coffee. Figuratively, hangat can mean warm/friendly (e.g., sambutan hangat).

Do I need to repeat hangat for both items?

No. Indonesian often avoids repetition: Saya lebih suka kopi hangat ketimbang teh. Use yang only when the head noun is the same, e.g., Saya lebih suka teh hangat daripada yang dingin. Since your sentence compares different nouns (kopi vs teh), don’t use yang to replace them.

Can I front the comparison phrase?

Yes: Daripada/ketimbang teh hangat, saya lebih suka kopi hangat. This is natural and highlights the contrast.

Is Saya the right pronoun here? What about aku, gue, or Anda?

saya: polite/neutral; safe in most contexts.
aku: informal/intimate.
gue/gua: very informal Jakarta slang.
Anda: formal respectful you (not used for I). Choose based on setting and relationship.

Can I drop the subject?

Often, yes, in casual contexts if it’s clear: Lebih suka kopi hangat ketimbang teh hangat. In careful speech/writing, keep saya.

Do I need a measure word like a cup or a glass?

Not for general preferences. For specific orders/quantities, use classifiers:

secangkir kopi hangat = a cup of warm coffee
segelas teh hangat = a glass of warm tea With numbers: dua cangkir kopi hangat, tiga gelas teh hangat.

How do I say two coffees or many teas?

Indonesian rarely marks plural on the noun. Use numerals/quantifiers plus classifiers: dua cangkir kopi, beberapa gelas teh. Reduplication (kopi-kopi) is not typical for beverages.

Any pitfalls with daripada/ketimbang spelling and usage?

Spell daripada as one word (not dari pada in modern usage).
Don’t mix them: use either … daripada … or … ketimbang …, not both.
Very formal: … dibandingkan dengan ….

Can I add a verb to say I prefer drinking warm coffee?

Yes: Saya lebih suka minum kopi hangat daripada/ketimbang teh hangat. If both sides have the same verb, the second minum is usually omitted.

Pronunciation tips for tricky parts?

teh: [teh] (e like in met).
lebih: first e is a schwa [lə-bih].
hangat: ng is one sound [ŋ] → [haŋat] (no hard g).
ketimbang: final ng is [ŋ] → [kətimbaŋ].

I heard anget instead of hangat. Is that acceptable?

anget is colloquial (often Javanese-influenced). It’s fine in casual speech/texts, but use standard hangat in neutral or formal contexts.

Can I replace suka with gemar/menggemari?

Yes, but they sound more formal/literary. Examples:

Saya lebih gemar kopi hangat daripada teh hangat.
Saya lebih menggemari kopi hangat daripada teh hangat.